Curacao

[akirawut]

Hi folks,

Next March we're doing a week in Bonaire, on the way back we'll be doing 3 nights in Curacao. I was wondering if anyone could share their recommendations as far as hotels and other things for Curacao. We'd want to stay somewhere that would enable us to "hit the pavement" for the optimal curacao experience. It doesn't need to be super luxurious, but it should be clean and pleasant.

I'm also wondering about how to get from downtown/hotel areas to the beaches? Is renting a car about the only way to go? Can anyone recommend some nice little private/secluded beaches/bays?

Thanks,
-Tom

 

[diversteve]

Can anyone recommend some nice little private/secluded beaches/bays?

On Curacao that's not always the best thing as there is some theft reported at the more remote sites.

You'll likely need a car. Curacao is a lot more spread out than Bonaire. There is 2 types of bus service also. Curacao Public Transport- Curacao Buses- Public Transportation
Downtown you could probably walk/take cabs - the hotels, shopping, swinging bridge etc. are all pretty close by. Even the Seaquarium is only about 4-5 mi. east.
You might see if the Avila Hotel is what you're looking for. There's also a Marriott Renaissance or Hotel Kura Hulanda.

Curacao Beaches - info on ones I've been to:

Playa Jeremi is pretty secluded. There's excellent snorkeling there and it's also a dive site. No facilities at all so bring everything. The parking is above the beach and not visible. shorediving.com talks about a few thefts there over the last 5 years. http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Curacao/index.htm

Mid-week Playa Lagun nearby was pretty quiet. I was the only person on the beach later one afternoon. It is a locals beach so ymmv. Also a dive site

Porto Mari is also pretty nice but also a locals beach and guaranteed to be crowded on the weekends. Also a good dive site - double reef.

IDK what kind of shape it's in now, but the old Sunset Waters site had a nice beach.
They razed the hotel a few years ago so except for some local houses nearby it's probably pretty deserted.
There's even a small breakwater protected cove to one side - the dive was just through the opening there.

If you're looking to combine activities, the Curacao Marriot (Emerald Beach) is on the water in Piscadera Bay (10min. drive from downtown or the airport) has a nice beach, Caribbean Sea Sports on-site for diving. Also a shore dive and small casino. PBay is quieter but not what I'd call secluded.

 

[akirawut]

diversteve: thanks for the information, exactly what I needed.

 

[CaradonnaWorldwideDive]

Another option might be to stay right in town at either the Renaissance or Hotel Kura Hulanda, both ideally located for easy access to shopping, restaurants (Bistro Le Clochard is amazing!), the Kura Hulanda museum (one of the most amazing collections of African art anywhere!) and other sights. The Renaissance is surrounded by shopping, has a nice casino and a "beach" on the 2nd floor of the hotel overlooking the entrance to the Willemstad harbor which is pretty cool as well. For shore diving, you could use Relaxed Guided Dives (www.rgdives.com) and not have to worry about a car rental or finding the sites (since it's not at all like Bonaire where they are marked and plentiful).

 

[muzicgirl]

Do a search on the forum here for different hotel names and you will probably find some great trip reviews.

 

[akirawut]

We actually ended up booking Kura Hulanda Hotel. Since this is the second part of our trip, after Bonaire, diving will not be the focus (although we might do some). So we figured stay in town where we can easily walk around and check things out + we liked that they offered a shuttle to the beach, I think we are going to try to avoid renting a car.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Davediver]

Since you are staying in town, I recommend Rozendaels for dinner. It is located across the street from the Avila Hotel. If you want to shore dive one day, I suggest The Dive Bus.

 

[jimw]

I read about an oil spill on Curacao today-it is ongoing and has affected a nature preserve--I saw a picture of black flamingoes!!

 

[diverjen]

Haven't heard about the oil spill - will be interested to get those details. Since you are staying at the Kura Hulanda you should have access to the free hotel shuttle that will take you out to the Lodge Hulanda which is out in the country where there are many pretty little beaches nearby. Also, right from the Lodge is a dive shop (that I know nothing about) that was running a lot of boat dives while I was there. We did a combo Bonaire 7d/Curacao trip2d last year and Curacao is a lot of fun for both the city stuff and the beautiful country beaches. You might check in to car rental, I think we got a 4 door hatchback for $29USD and we had a lot of fun driving it around to the playas. Have a great time and please post pictures!

 

[MarkFrank]

You can find many places to rent in Curacao. Personally when I was there I found the company http://www.curacaovacationaccommodation.com and i rented one of their villas. I found their prices to be very decent and the peoples there are very professional and friendly. The rooms were clean and we had a great time. I hope this information helps you!